After two years of overtures, the Jets finally obtained Dan Labraaten's signature on a contract in May 1976. His Jets debut was delayed by an ankle injury he sustained during the Canada Cup tournament, but once he suited up for the Jets, he was an instant contributor and he helped lead them to their second consecutive trip to the AVCO Cup finals. He missed much of the 1977-1978 season due to a blood clot in his leg, then he signed with the Detroit Red Wings the following summer, joining former coach Bobby Kromm in Detroit. He played four seasons in the NHL before returning to Sweden and winding up his playing career.
